Can't Stop the Feeling: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Larry Moore's arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without sacrificing string color or voice leading. The Grade 3-4 scoring stays true to the song's kinetic groove while remaining playable by developing orchestras, making it an actual crowd-pleaser rather than a novelty piece. Programming this alongside traditional concert repertoire signals to students that artistry exists across genres.

Uplifting and propulsive, with a dance-groove foundation that feels modern without being jarring in a traditional concert setting. The string textures add warmth and sophistication to a fundamentally infectious pop melody, creating an arrangement that rewards focused playing with genuine sonic payoff.

Orchestras working at the Grade 3-4 level who want to program contemporary music that excites students without oversimplifying the arranging or ignoring ensemble technique. Directors seeking a bridge between concert-hall expectations and student engagement will find a genuinely fun piece that builds skills alongside morale.

• Lock the foundational rhythmic pulse in your rhythm section before rehearsing the melodic material. The song's impact hinges on the groove feeling natural and driving rather than metronomic.
• Balance ensemble sound by checking that the string parts sit in a unified dynamic landscape. Avoid letting individual sections pull away from the coordinated textural layers that make the arrangement shine.
• Keep the recorded accompaniment accessible during rehearsals so players hear how their parts fit the original's production landscape. This context helps students understand arrangement choices and their own role in the overall sound.
• Bring out the hook moments with slight articulation and dynamic emphasis rather than major tempo shifts. The catchy sections should feel inevitable, not forced.

Consider placing this in a pops or family concert where you can lean into its contemporary energy and showcase your orchestra's range beyond classical repertoire. The 2:20 duration makes it an ideal opener or closer that leaves audiences with immediate memorability and demonstrates your students' versatility as ensemble musicians.

• Executing syncopated rhythmic figures while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Playing with consistent groove and internal pulse across multiple meter and phrasing contexts
• Balancing individual line clarity within layered textural arrangements
• Interpreting articulation and dynamics to shape hook-driven melodic moments
• Connecting contemporary music with ensemble string technique and expression